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HEAL

HEAL’S MISSION STATEMENT

HEAL is an egalitarian network of activists self-empowered to plan events, create change, and make the world a better place for all life.  Our goals include the liberation of humans, nonhuman animals, and the earth!  We work in cooperation with like-minded organizations that put compassion in action!

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Teens in Peril

  Please use left side bar for links to more information on teen liberty and the torture of American children in the epidemically growing fraudulent, brainwashing teen torture cult industry.  We do not use these words lightly.

SEARCH THE HEAL WEBSITE

TEENS LEARN YOUR RIGHTS & PROTECT YOURSELVES!

 

 

FRAUDULENT AND ABUSIVE “TREATMENT” CENTERS

 

 

FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS!

 

 

 

Warning!  Do not place your child in any facility that denies you one on one contact with your child AT ANY TIME.  Warning!  Do not place your child in any facility that requires a liability waiver for any harm caused to your child.  Warning!  Do not place your child in any facility that denies them access to a telephone.  Warning!  Do not place your child in any facility that uses confrontational "therapy"!  Warning!  Do not place your child in any facility where their phone calls with you are monitored.  Warning!  Do not place your child in any facility that expects total and unquestioned support of parents.

 

(Watch the Congressional Hearing)

 

 

 

 

 ***VISIT THE NEW SURVIVOR MESSAGE FORUM!***

 

 

 

The residential treatment and wilderness "therapy" programs have been denounced by the National Institute of Health as being harmful to children and families as well as ineffective in dealing with teen problems. There are multiple resources that expose the fraud and abuse of this industry. Some authors to check out are Dr. Peter Breggin, Alexia Parks, and Maia Szalavitz. Dr. Peter Breggin is author of mutiple books regarding appropriate treatment for teens (see Reclaiming Our Children by Dr. Peter Breggin). Alexia Parks authored "An American Gulag" exposing the "teen help" industry and Maia Szalavitz has written two great books exposing the fraud and abuse inherent in this industry, "Tough Love America" and "Help at Any Cost".
We suggest parents do not remove their children from their home environment unless they pose an immediate threat to themselves or others. Leading expert in adolescent psychology and head of the Department of Psychology at the University of California--Berkeley, Dr. Margaret Singer, has spoken out against these programs in great detail saying that they make a child's worst nightmare of abandonment come true and that the people who run these programs are slick businessmen with no training or expertise in helping teens appropriately. Maia Szalavitz, author of "Tough Love America", cites the National Institute of Health studies on these programs that have determined that they are harmful and not helpful to teens or their families. Szalavitz also stated on the Jan. 18th, 2005 episode of Montel Williams that even when children/teens pose an immediate threat to themselves or others that at most a short stay (1-4 weeks) in a local psychiatric hospital to deescalate the situation is what is needed followed by intensive out-patient family counseling.
 
The "schools" listed on our site are either suspectedly or confirmedly abusive. We recommend no one send children to a facility that matches any of the criteria on our warning signs list at www.heal-online.org/warn.htm  (see also www.isaccorp.org ) . We have successfully exposed the abuses at Bethel Boys Academy, Bethel Girls Academy (now closed), CEDU Family of Programs (all programs now closed), Mountain Park Boarding Academy (now closed), and many others. We had proof of abuse at CEDU programs up over 6 years ago and they were just closed down on Friday, 3/25/05. The system sometimes takes too long to catch up with justice and truth. That's why we exist. We exist to warn and protect families from abusive behavior modification programs.

 

If you are a survivor of one of these programs or otherwise interested in exposing fraudulent and abusive “treatment” centers or wilderness camps, please contact us.  For more information on this issue visit: http://www.heal-online.org/teen.htm.  On the HEAL website you will find links to lawsuits, news articles, and survivor websites detailing the abuses experienced at these facilities.  Also, please take a moment to read the open letter quoting government and private entities with their true intentions in these matters by visiting www.beyondbusiness.net/openletter.htm.  It is imperative that you DO NOT send your child to an out of state behavior modification program.  It is imperative that you DO NOT send your child to any program that limits or denies contact between you and your child at any point in their stay at the facility.  It is imperative that you DO NOT send your child to a facility that you yourself will not be monitoring on at least a weekly basis in person to monitor the treatment and well being of your child.  Be responsible, for the sake of your children.  

 

If you or your family were defrauded, abused, and/or subjected to human and civil rights violations, please get legal assistance now.  The statute of limitations varies from state to state.  You have a limited time to file a claim.  For a list of attorneys and attorney referral services that can help you in your pursuit of justice, click here.

 

If you are a parent who was coerced into putting your child on psychotropic drugs by school 

professionals, please visit: http://www.ablechild.org/data/thelist.asp.  This is a growing list of parents bullied into putting their children in harm’s way. 

 

To make a donation to HEAL specifically for our Teen Liberty/Stop Child Abuse Campaign, please click here.  We need your full support to insure needed exposure for this campaign!  Get involved, donate or volunteer today!

 

Also, we believe ALL programs outside of the US are suspect and ask that you read the U.S. State Department’s warning regarding international programs by clicking here.  They have softened the warning from the original.  We believe this is due to the corruption in the State Department, Justice Department, and the White House.  Do not, under any circumstances, risk your child’s life in a program outside of the U.S.

 

HEAL is not a referral service.  We do not advocate placement of children in unregulated, private, 

behavior modification programs or facilities.  Please do not contact us for referrals or approval of your 

subjecting a child to this corrupt and destructive industry.  

 

 

 

 

 

If you are unable to find the answers you are looking for, please visit: www.heal-online.org/help.htm

 

Following is a “work in progress” list of suspected and confirmed abusive behavior modification programs in the  United States.  If you have survived an abusive behavior modification program, please contact us and tell us your  experience.  We will post your experience and details about the facility on this website.  We can protect your identity  if you so desire.  Understand that this is an incomplete list and that it is your responsibility to look heavily into the  program(s) which you consider placing your child into.  Please use the following drop down menu to select  programs by state or name or simply scroll down the page:

 

 

 

ALABAMA

Alabama Teen Challenge in Oxford (& cities of Bay Minette, Warrior, ), AL is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here.  To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here

 

 

New Beginnings in AL is a Three Springs program.   Based on multiple survivor accounts of other Three Springs programs and former employee (employed at Three Springs of Paint Rock Valley facility) allegations, we find Duck River Boys to be highly suspect.  Due to possible litigation in this issue and in order to protect our sources, we are not divulging more information at this time.  If you have more information on Three Springs programs and/or were abused while in their care, please contact us.  If you were at their follow up transitional facility and experienced abuse or further violations of your rights, please contact us.  To read survivor reports visit: www.heal-online.org/threespgs.htm  

 

 

New Directions Boys in Huntsville, AL is a Three Springs program.   Based on multiple survivor accounts of other Three Springs programs and former employee (employed at Three Springs of Paint Rock Valley facility) allegations, we find Duck River Boys to be highly suspect.  Due to possible litigation in this issue and in order to protect our sources, we are not divulging more information at this time.  If you have more information on Three Springs programs and/or were abused while in their care, please contact us.  If you were at their follow up transitional facility and experienced abuse or further violations of your rights, please contact us.  To read survivor reports visit: www.heal-online.org/threespgs.htm

 

 

Reclamation Ranch in Empire, AL is connected to Rachael Academy. These programs are descendants of the Roloff homes and are confirmedly abusive. Reclamation Ranch has been raided and is swimming in allegations of abuse and torture.  There is a photo on their website of the Director proudly posing with the plane that Roloff died in. If you were in Reclamation Ranch or would like to contact us please click here.  Here are videos on the raid!:

 

 


 

 

Teen Challenge, Int’l in Seale, AL is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here.  To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

Three Springs of Courtland, Three Springs Turning Point, and Three Springs of Paint Rock Valley are lock down facilities with around the clock observation of children in their care.  Based on the description as of February 13, 2004 at the teenprogram.info site, linked to the program title at the beginning of this description and former employee (employed at Three Springs of Paint Rock Valley facility) allegations, we believe that Three Springs of Courtland and Three Springs of Paint Rock valley is confirmedly abusive.  Due to possible litigation in this issue and in order to protect our sources, we are not divulging more information at this time.  If you have more information on Three Springs programs and/or were abused while in their care, please contact us.  If you were at their follow up transitional facility at Three Springs Turning Point and experienced abuse or further violations of your rights, please contact us.  To read survivor reports visit: www.heal-online.org/threespgs.htm

 

 

Palmera Teen Challenge in Double Springs, Alabama is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here.  To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

 

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ALASKA

Teen Challenge of Alaska in Anchorage, AK is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

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ARIZONA

America’s Buffalo Soldiers Boot Camp located in White Mountain (area), AZ is confirmedly abusive.  The founder of the program, Charles Long was found guilty of second-degree murder of Michael Villa, a child in this program.  And, in more recent news, four “counselors” involved with the program have been found guilty in the death of another boy at this camp, Anthony Haynes.  For more information visit: http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0525long25.html, http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0621buffalo-ON.html and http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/classics/chuck_long/.  If you were abused or had your rights violated at America’s Buffalo Soldiers Boot Camp, please report the abuse to authorities and contact us to have your online statement added here as a warning to others.

 

 

Blue Hills Academy located in Dewey, AZ uses the same language as Resource Realizations and the TASKS model of behavior modification.  Their system is virtually identical to the confirmed abusive programs such as WWASPS, Provo Canyon School, and Mountain Park Boarding Academy.  Use the link to Blue Hills Academy (click on the opening title of this paragraph) and you will be taken to their “what we do that works” page.  It details a mandatory cut off of communication between parents and children during the initial phases of “healing”.  They use language such as “what works, and what doesn’t work” which is identical to the trauma-based mind control seminars of Resource Realizations.  It is our belief that because of the numerous methods used having matched the warning signs as can be found at http://www.heal-online.org/warn.htm as taken from www.isaccorp.com that Blue Hills Academy is an abusive behavior modification facility and we advise you DO NOT send your child there and that you DO rescue your child at once if they are there now!  If you were abused at Blue Hills Academy please report your abuse to authorities and contact us to have your online statement added here as a warning to others.

 

 

Catherine Freer Wilderness Program located in Albany, OR is a confirmedly abusive behavior modification program.  A fifteen year-old girl was killed in the program in May of 2002.  Do not send your child to a program known to be responsible for the death of other children.  If you were abused in the Catherine Freer Wilderness Program, contact us and we will post your online statement here as a warning to others.

 

 

Copper Canyon Academy located in Lake Montezuma, AZ is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification program.  They use a level-based system similar to Provo Canyon School and the WWASPS programs.  They limit contact between parent and child to censored/shared w/ staff written correspondence while on the initial orientation level.  This contact is increased to one monthly phone call with staff supervision watching and monitoring all the child says while on the phone.  These conditions make it virtually impossible for a child to report any abuse without suffering greater risk of unnecessary and cruel punishment.  Please do not send your child to any program that limits your contact with them.  If you were abused at Copper Canyon Academy or had your rights violated in anyway (it is against federal law for them to read your incoming or outgoing written correspondence and lawsuits have shown time and again that these institutions are guilty of breaking federal laws by doing this) please contact us and we will post your online statement here as a warning to others. To read an online statement regarding abuse and violations at this facility (under previous owners) as reported by a former employee of Copper Canyon, please click here.

 

Gatehouse Academy--Located in Wickenburg, AZ (and Sarasota Springs, NY).  This program is highly suspected of being an abusive facility.  It's application states that it is not a "treatment center" or a "medical center".  In addition, all communications are monitored by staff and visits are also monitored and scheduled.  Any program that denies contact between parent and child at any time during their stay is likely abusive.  Also, parents are not allowed to spontaneously visit or interact with their children privately.  This is also a red flag.  Please review the warning signs list at www.heal-online.org/warn.htm for more information regarding what practices imply an overly restrictive and/or abusive atmosphere.  Also, Gatehouse allows "distance learning" and is partnered with Brigham Young University (BYU) for this purpose.  BYU is the birthplace of abusive "treatment" models and this association suggests that Gatehouse is using an abusive treatment model.  In addition, Gatehouse Academy touts its affiliation with NATSAP (an accreditation agency created by abusive behavior modification program owners to give the appearance of legitimacy to themselves and others in this industry) and the Woodbury Reports as proof of effectiveness.  Please see our website at www.heal-online.org/accreditation.htm for information on how/why these accreditation agencies are untrustworthy.  Woodbury Reports rewards bad behavior and aids in covering up abuse at many facilities.  Also, Gatehouse is hiring and to work with the patients, all is required is a "high school diploma" or "equivalent".  They are not providing qualified and trained addiction specialists or mental health professionals to their clients and allowing uneducated and inexperienced people to be in unsupervised positions of power over residents in their care.  This is a serious issue.  We recommend you do not subject yourself or your young adults (17-25 years old) to this facility.  If you have been defrauded, abused, or had your rights violated by Gatehouse Academy, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.

 

Oak Creek Ranch School located in Sedona, AZ is confirmedly abusive.  According to one mother, "My son went to Oak Creek Ranch School in Sedona, Arizona. We were assured that it would be a good place for a 12 year old and he would be among several others of his age, supervised and extra help with some of his learning and behavioral issues. The whole stay was a nightmare. There was only one other 12 year old, all the other kids were high school students, smoking, doing drugs and more. No supervision every night for 4 hours, kids left to roam around. Whenever I called the only supervisor would complain constantly that they were short staffed. My son was expelled for taunting another kid with bruises on his body. California Child Protective Services got involved, but nothing ever happened. I contacted the Sherriff's Dept. in Sedona, and was told that "they are good people at that school" and they weren't going to investigate. Of course, I was not refunded any tuition and my son learned everything he shouldn't have, cussing, smoking, drugs, sexual encounters with older girls. To this day, 5 years later he still will not tell us about some of the stuff that went on there, he is scarred, our whole family has been traumatized by this experience. Schools like Oak Creek Ranch School need to be put out of business!"  Please do not send your child to Oak Creek Ranch School.  If you were abused or had your rights violated by Oak Creek Ranch School, please contact us so we can post your experience here as a warning to others.  Thank you!

 

 

Parc Place located in N. Chandler, AZ is confirmedly abusive.  According to multiple former employees: "A lockdown rehabilitation facility for troubled teens in north Chandler is under fire from former employees who claim the place is plagued by violence, poor management and lax care."  See the whole news report titled, "Ex-employees question safety for troubled teens at rehab facility" at  http://kvoa.com/Global/story.asp?S=6240832&nav=HMO6. If you were abused or had your rights violated at Parc Place, please contact us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others. 

 

 

Spring Ridge Academy located in Spring Valley, AZ is confirmedly abusive and uses virtually the same language and systems of seminars as Resource Realizations and the TASKS model of behavior modification.  According to their application form they require parents to turn over all guardianship rights over to the school while the child is in the school.  They require a commitment of at least 15 months.  They ask parents to sign away the right to sue for any reason other than gross negligence, which they cannot legally require parents to do in the event they break the law, prove to be fraudulent and abusive, as we believe they are.  They also block communication to the outside world allowing only letters to and from parents all coming and going through staff so that no child can report their abuse to their parents without being punished.  They block phone privileges during the first month(s) of stay.  All of these are red flags according to the warning list at http://www.heal-online.org/warn.htm.  Please do not send your child to this program.  Rescue them if they are there now!  View some of the fines levied against the program, click hereIf you were abused at Spring Ridge Academy please contact us and we will post your online statement here as a warning to others.

 

 

Teen Challenge of Arizona in Phoenix, (and cities of Tucson, Yuma) AZ is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

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ARKANSAS

Teen Challenge of Arkansas in Hot Springs Village, AR is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here.   To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

Teen Challenge Ranch in Morrow, AR is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here.   To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

 

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CALIFORNIA

 Blue Mountain Wilderness Program located in Camp Connell, CA is suspect.  They try to allay fears of parents who are aware of abusive programs by saying they are not abusive.  They say they don’t use the ineffective “level system” that many abusive behavior modification programs use.  Then, they go on to say that they do use a “progressive system” with different levels beginning with orientation.  There is to be no communication between child and the outside world (including parents) for the first month or while at the Orientation level.   We recommend for safety sake that you consider another option for your child’s treatment.  Children are not monsters, they are human beings who need to be respected, loved, and valued.  Try it at home, maybe that’s all the fixing your child needs!  If you were abused at Blue Mountain Wilderness Program please contact us and will post your online statement here as a warning to others.

 

 

Feather River Teen Challenge in Live Oak, CA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here.   To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

Homeward Bound in "Bay Area", CA is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification program and referral center.  They are home-based in Utah and associated with other Utah programs that are abusive and/or unregulated.  If you were abused or had your rights violated at Homeward Bound, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.

 

 

House of Hope in California a confirmedly abusive behavior modification program.  They openly use the phrasing “behavior modification” which has been described by Dr. Weiss of the Federal Prison System as a system of brainwashing people into submission using violence, torture, and cruelty.  They also claim to help cure ODD (Oppositional Defiance Disorder), a “disorder” that is currently being eradicated from all respectable medical and psychiatric databases because it defines normal teenage behavior as a mental disease.  In 1992, House of Hope lost a lawsuit against the San Diego Department of Social Services after the findings of abuse as alleged by Social Worker Smith were deemed to be well founded and thereby her actions against House of Hope were justified.  (San Diego House of Hope v. San Diego Department of Social Services)  If you were abused at House of Hope, please contact us and we will add your online statement here as a warning to others.

 

 

Monterey Teen Challenge in Watsonville, CA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

Pacific View Retreat located somewhere near the borders of California and Mexico is a WWASPS program for adults.  Representative George Miller of California demanded in investigation into all World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools after receiving hundreds of complaints from his constituents about the torture and abuse suffered by them and/or their children.  You may read the correspondence between John Ashcroft and George Miller by visiting: http://nospank.net/ashcroft.htmAs of January 9th, 2004, California Representative George Miller demanded, and was denied by John Ashcroft, an investigation into WWASPS.  According to Representative Miller of California, “There is a laundry list of abuse of children at WWASPS schools: deprivation of food, deprivation of contact with their peers, physical abuse, mental abuse, sexual abuse, and parents are paying big money for services not rendered," Miller added in a Nov. 6 news release.”  If you were abused or had your rights violated at Pacific View Retreat, please contact us and we will post your online statement here as a warning to others.  For more information on WWASP, visit: www.heal-online.org/wwasp.htm.

 

 

 

Phoenix House in CA is highly suspected of being an abusive behavior modification program.  Respected teen "help" industry researcher, Maia Szalavitz, likens the treatment at Phoenix House to known abusive programs.  If you were abused or had your rights violated by Phoenix House, please contact us and we will post your online statement here as a warning to others.

 

 

Redwood Teen Challenge in McKinleyville, CA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here.   To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

Southwestern Academy in California has a program design that raises red flags all over the place.  They use a punishment and reward merit system similar to that used by Provo Canyon School.  Please compare the student handbook at http://www.southwesternacademy.edu/handbooks2.htm with the warning signs list at http://www.heal-online.org/warn.htm.  We believe based on the handbook descriptions that this program is abusive and we recommend you do not send your child there!  If you were abused or had your rights violated at Southwestern Academy, please contact us and we will post your online statement here as a warning to others.

 

 

Teen Challenge in Lincoln, (& cities of Bakersfield, Redding, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Turlock, Ventura,) CA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here.   To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

Teen Challenge Int’l—California in Oakland, CA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

Teen Challenge—Los Angeles in Los Angeles ( South Gate & Hawthorne), CA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

Teen Challenge New Life in Sacramento, CA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

 

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COLORADO

Colorado Mountain Camps (Wilderness Program) in Boulder, CO is suspect because of the contractual requirement that a parent or anyone acting on behalf of a parent will not sue Colorado Mountain Camps if their child is lost, injured, or killed while in the care of Colorado Mountain Camps.  There is also limited communication between child and family, postcards only.  Postcards are a great way to avoid breaking federal laws in reading incoming and outgoing mail.  You may call immediate family (parents) once every two weeks.  There is no specification whether or not these calls are monitored.  The links on the page to Communications with Your Child was not working at the time this was written, Saturday, February 14th, 2004.  As of May 31st, 2005 the website had moved or been shut down for this program.  We believe that this program is suspect.  If you have more detailed information or were abused in this program, please contact us and we will add your experience to this website.  

 

 

Emily Griffith Center (aka Griffith Centers for Children) in Denver, CO is confirmedly abusive.  For detailed reports of abuse, please click here.  They claim to treat “pre-delinquent” boys ages 15-19.  That is a word for preventative psychiatric care, which is also know historically as neurological programming or brainwashing.  In fact, in their literature they refer to the “programming” of youth.  They also call their doors “escape delay perimeter doors” which leads one to believe that boys in this program seek to escape.  If this were a loving, nurturing, constructive program we believe they wouldn’t be focused on boys inability to escape as a selling point.  If you have more detailed information or were abused in this program please contact us and we will add your experience to this website. 

 

Monarch Center for Family Healing  in Georgetown, CO is confirmedly abusive.  The following is from a Denver Westward article, by Adam Cayton-Holland, dated November 12th, 2008. 

"While some teenagers wake up to find a Monarch staffer by their bedside, ready to rip them from the life they know and whisk them to the mountains of Colorado — an extreme, boot-camp tactic that enforces the seriousness of what the student is about to go through — Chris went to Monarch voluntarily, escorted by his parents.

Right away, Harry noticed a few things that worried him. He found it odd that his son was going to be in a coed group camping in the woods. He also wondered if the cheap, plastic fishing-tackle box stuffed to the brim with the different medications of Monarch students was sufficiently secure. But he'd heard that Monarch was such an amazing place, he let those concerns go.

Out in the field, though, Chris found his daily routine a far cry from the glitzy, biking/white-water rafting/mountain-climbing Colorado experience that Monarch had advertised.

"Basically we'd wake up early, eat breakfast that consisted of powdered milk and cereal, and then we'd hike for miles," Chris remembers. "We'd stop for lunch, then keep hiking for a few more hours, and then we'd camp. We'd sit around the fire and shoot the shit for a little bit at night, but it wasn't therapy; it was just talking. Then the next day we'd do it again. It got to be really, really boring."

And worse. Early on, Chris lost the spoon he'd been assigned for his meals, so he had to consume his meager rations with a stick. An informational pamphlet handed out at orientation had informed students that they were to practice a leave-no-trace style of mountaineering, with each camper issued six squares of toilet paper, but Chris didn't even get that. "They made me wipe my ass with rocks and pinecones," he says. "They never had toilet paper. That six squares thing? That was just bullshit. The girls were made to drip dry."

Each camper carried a thermos. At streams, they'd fill up — and then counselors would purify each thermos with a few drops from an eye-dropper full of chlorine bleach. Sometimes, Chris says, they would just drop the bleach directly into the stream and then tell the kids to fill up. Chris was soon suffering from severe diarrhea.

Monarch typically takes students out into the field for two weeks at a time, then brings them back to Georgetown for a week of family therapy. When the Haneys arrived from Fort Worth, where Harry owns a company that manufactures highway safety equipment, Chris smelled so bad that he had to shower twice before they could take him out for a meal, Harry remembers.

At their first family session, Chris complained about conditions at Monarch. But his parents figured it was just normal bitching about "bad kids' camp," and they sent him back into the field.

The second time Harry came up for family week, he could see in his son's eyes that something wasn't right.

"He said, 'Dad, you have to get me out of here; they just want me for the money,'" Harry remembers."

If you were abused or had your rights violated at Monarch, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.

 

Mountain Homes Youth Ranch in Dinosaur, CO (business office in Vernal, UT) is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification program.  We base this suspicion on the fact that the use a phase system similar to that in the WWASPS programs.  We were unable to download the “in-depth MHYR program packet” and were unable to confirm our suspicions due to the lack of information available.  If you were abused at Mountain Homes Youth Ranch, please contact us so we may post your experience here as a warning to others.

 

 

Teen Challenge of Colorado in Olathe, CO is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

Teen Challenge—Rocky Mountains in Crestone, CO is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here.   To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

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CONNECTICUT

Devereux Glenholme in CT is a confirmedly abusive behavior modification program.  According to one woman’s experience: “from there it was on to Devereux Glenholme, a correctional school/residential/hell. a high priced jail that was dressed up to look like a well to do boarding school. nearly two years of that place has scarred me like nothing else could ever. they abused their rights as caregivers by tapping phone conversations between children and their parents, stealing funds, opening mail, using abusive techniques for restrainment, using funds for campus beautification, not the well being of the kids, and lying to the board of health. creativity and self-expression was smothered out as soon as possible there. if it weren’t for the friends I made there I would try to forget this part of my life.”  This was taken from http://allthesescarsaremine.50megs.com/moi/.  To view other survivor statements regarding Deveraux Glenholme, please click here.   If you were abused at Deveraux Glenholme, please contact us and we will post your online statement here as a warning to others. 

 

 

Teen Challenge in New Haven, CT is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here.   To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

 

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DELAWARE

(coming soon)

 

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District of Columbia (wash. D.c.)

Teen Challenge—DC in Washington D.C. is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here.   To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

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FLORIDA

Camp Tracey Children’s Home—operated by Harvest Baptist Church north of Glen Saint Mary, FL is confirmedly abusive.  As early as 1987 abuse was documented at this program.  A grand jury issued a report on abuse and negligence complaining that thee camp did not keep records of injuries or abuse, did not report suspected abuse to the state, had no staff trained in health or nutrition, was not inspected for compliance with health, building and fire codes; had no certified teachers, scheduled a grossly substandard amount of time for instruction, had a convicted felon on staff, censored students’ mail, severely limited contact of students with their parents, used corporal punishment frequently, restrained students with ropes and handcuffs, and forced them into slavery (uncompensated work for private citizens under duress of physical/mental punishment).  We recommend parents do not send their child to this program.  If you were abused or had your rights violated at Camp Tracey, please contact us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others.  Detailed report provided by Children’s Healthcare Is a Legal Duty, Inc. Nov. 4th, 2004 newsletter. 

 

 

Growing Together in Palm Beach, FL is confirmedly abusive.  One family member reports, "My sibling was abused at Growing Together...  It uses the Straight "treatment" model."  If you were abused or had your rights violated at Growing Together, please contact us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others.

 

 

New Beginnings Rebekah Home (aka New Beginnings Girls Academy)—in Pace, FL is confirmedly abusive.  The former owners, Mr. & Mrs. Cameron, have opened and closed their lockdown residential facilities in TX, MO, and MS before bringing them to FL in 2001.  Texas has permanently banned Mrs. Cameron from working with children or being present at a juvenile facility.  A local TV station reported in Dec. 2004 that FL state officials had investigated two allegations of abuse at the school, one for requiring “extreme physical exertion” of a student and an accusation that Mrs. Cameron hit a girl with a curtain rod.  Soon afterwards the school changed its name to New Beginnings Girls Academy and the Camerons’ names were removed from its literature.  Like the Camerons, however, the new director, Bill McNamara, strongly emphasizes the girls’ sinfulness and prohibits contact with their siblings, according to the sister of one student.  Detailed report provided by Children’s Healthcare Is a Legal Duty, Inc. Nov. 4th, 2004 newsletter.  If you were abused or had your rights violated at New Beginnings, please contact us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others.  To view survivor statements regarding the Cameron's and these programs please click here.

 

 

Our Father’s House in Milton, FL owned and operated by former Ku Klux Klansman John Burt is confirmedly abusive.  In 2004, Burt was convicted of sexually molesting a 15-year old girl.  He is presently out on bond pending his appeal.  Our Father’s House remains operational.  Please do not subject your child to Our Father’s House.  Detailed report provided by Children’s Healthcare Is a Legal Duty, Inc. Nov. 4th, 2004 newsletter.  If you were abused or had your rights violated at Our Father’s House, please contact us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others.

 

 

Safe Harbor Boys Home in Jacksonville, FL is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification facility.  They use a level system similar to that in the WWASPS programs and require parents to enroll their children for at least one year.  They also state on their website (as of 9/29/04) that if parents have second thoughts (why would they if it was a safe/healthy environment for their child?) that they shouldn’t have placed the child with Safe Harbor to begin with.  Why does Safe Harbor need to control the parents as well as the children?  In the least, their website and policies give us at HEAL pause and we recommend you do not send your child to this facility.  If you were abused or had your rights violated at Safe Harbor Boys Home, please contact us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others.

 

Sarasota Community School in Sarasota, FL is suspected of being an abusive and fraudulent facility.  We have received unconfirmed reports of fraud and abuse from parent(s) regarding this program.  One mother said:

 

"I would like to 'report' the above school to your web site. This school is being run by a DeSisto graduate. I am currently filing suit in order to get my money back - $45,000 - son left after 12 weeks - do to lack of supervision, counseling, educational opportunities, and a rude/degrading owner. They really did not like me because I was local and my son's advocate.  I would like to help ensure that no other child/parent be scammed by these people.   

Thank you for your help."

 

If you were abused or had your rights violated at Sarasota Community School, please contact us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others.

 

 

Starting Place, The in Hollywood, FL is confirmedly abusive.  Complaints of fraud and sexual abuse filed.  See article at:  http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/columnists/sfl-flbmayocol0612xsbjun12,0,5814657.column  If you were abused or had your rights violated by The Starting Place, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.

 

 

The Tampa Marine Institute  in St. Petersburg, FL is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification facility.  Tampa Marine Institute and all of it's affiliated programs are very vaguely described in their literature or on their website.  They claim that "what they do works", but do not explain exactly what they do.  They hint at practices that deny persons in their program life, liberty, and property without due process of law and are located in the founding city of Straight, Inc. and other notoriously unregulated and abusive facilities.  Since Florida does not regulate this industry we recommend you do not send your child to any program in Florida including this one.  If you were abused or had your rights violated by Tampa Marine Institute or any of its affiliated programs, please contact us so we can post your statement here as a warning to others.

 

 

Teen Challenge—FL, Inc. in Arcadia, FL is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here.   To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

Teen Challenge in Bonifary, FL is confirmedly abusive.  If you were abused at Teen Challenge in Bonifay, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. 

 

 

Teen Challenge Int’l—Florida in Orlando, (and cities of Sanford, Fort Myers, Pensacola, Tarpon Springs, Davie, Tampa) FL is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

Teen Challenge Lakeland Girls in Lakeland, FL is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

Teen Challenge Ministries in Jacksonville, FL is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here.   To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

Teen Challenge of Florida in Vero Beach, FL is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here.   To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

Teen Challenge Women’s Center in Ft.Myers, FL is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

Teen Transformation Ministries in Oveido, FL is confirmedly abusive.  In 2003, a 13-year old boy suffered a broken shoulder and fire ant bites there.  The Seminole County sheriff reported that he complained of the shoulder injury, but was not given medical attention.  The boy was forced to pull down his pants and sit on a fire ant mound at the group home, the sheriff said.  The sheriff’s office returned all the boys in the program to their parents while the abuse allegations were investigated, but, the school had five boys enrolled again the next year.  The state does not have the authority to close the school down.  Detailed report provided by Children’s Healthcare Is a Legal Duty, Inc. Nov. 4th, 2004 newsletter.  If you were abused at Teen Transformation Ministries, please contact us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others.

 

 

Victory Christian Academy (aka Lighthouse of Northwest Florida) in Jay, FL is confirmedly abusive.  It is the sister program of Genesis by the Sea, a program recently closed down in Mexico for gross human rights violations of the children in their care.  To read survivor accounts of life at Victory Christian Academy, click here.  Michele Ulriksen has written an expose' on Victory Christian Academy,  see: www.ReformAtVictory.com If you were abused or had your rights violated at Victory Christian Academy, please contact us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others.

 

 

Victory Forge Military Academy in Port St. Lucie, FL is confirmedly abusive.  See the news article at: http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2008/may/02/abuse-allegations-leave-victory-forge-military/?feedback=1#comments  If you were abused or had your rights violated at Victory Forge Military Academy, please contact us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others.

 

 

West Florida Teen Challenge Boys’ Ranch—in Bonifay, Florida is a confirmedly abusive teen program.  See the youtube of a child pleading for help.  The contract parents must sign with Teen Challenge does not indicate that the school meets standards that might be roughly equivalent to state requirements.  The contract states that the Florida Association of Christian Child-Caring Agencies’ (FACCCA) “intent” is to “insure the physical and spiritual health, safety, and well being” of the children and therefore that thee boy’s ranch must meet FACCCA’s “minimum standards,” but the only one described in the contract is allowing access to public officials who inspect for fire, health, safety, and sanitation codes.  Parents have to agree to hold the ranch and its employees harmless from “any and all liability” for injury to the child “even injury resulting in death.”  Parents must agree “that God desires that they resolve their dispute with one another within the church and that they be reconciled in their relationships in accordance with the principles stated in I Corinthians 6:1-8, Matthew 5:23-24, and Matthew 18:15-20.”  If they cannot resolve their disagreement privately within the church, parents must accept resolution through “biblically based mediation” by rules of the Association of Christian Conciliation Services.  There is no refund of tuition or deposits if the boy leaves the ranch before 15 months even if the ranch has expelled him.  Several former students say that staff, “use physical punishment, ridicule intimidate and/or verbally abuse children; use chemical restraints; employ cruel or humiliating treatment or other emotionally abusive behavior; assign excessive exercise or work duties, deny food, clothing, shelter, medical car, and/or prescribed therapeutic activities, or contacts with family, counselors, or legal representatives as a form of punishment.”  Please do not send your child to any Teen Challenge program.   Detailed report provided by Children’s Healthcare Is a Legal Duty, Inc. Nov. 4th, 2004 newsletter.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.  If you were abused or had your rights violated by any Teen Challenge program, please contact us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others.    To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.

 

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GEORGIA

Appalachian Wilderness Camp operated in the North Georgia Mountains, GA is confirmedly abusive.  On April 20th, 2005 Appalachian Wilderness Camp staff restrained Travis Parker, an asthmatic, denied him proper medical care (refused to give his inhaler), and as a result he died.  This program is no place for children.  For more on this story visit: http://www.ajc.com/search/content/auto/epaper/editions/today/news_24c776ec0553126810c1.html  The staff are poorly trained and out of control.  No child should die or be tortured in the name of treatment.  If you were abused at Appalachian Wilderness Camp, please contact us and we’ll add your online testimony to this website.

 

 

Broken Shackle Ranch is located in Davisboro, GA.  They are a confirmedly abusive behavior modification program.  In 2003, they were ordered to pay over $1 million in a wrongful death suit.  They were found liable for Bryan Jones’ death.  Jones was fifteen when he was electrocuted to death while in the care of Broken Shackle Ranch.  (Case No. A03A1064).  See the lawsuit, Lawsuit Against Broken Shackle  Ranch (in Georgia) . In addition, according to their website they use a level system (similar to that of the abusive WWASPS programs).  They aim at completely changing the personalities of the children in their care.  They do this through what they call both “negative and positive” reinforcement.  We believe based on the information available on their website as of 2/14/04 and the lawsuit(s) filed against them that they are a confirmedly abusive program.  If you were abused at Broken Shackle Ranch, please contact us and we’ll add your online testimony to this website.

 

 

Carolina Springs Academy is located somewhere near the borders of Georgia and South Carolina.  Based on the less than open nature of their website and the fact that their contact information is solely a phone number without public disclosure of even the city of their location we believe that Carolina Springs Academy is suspect.  What leads us to further believe that Carolina Springs Academy is suspect is their descriptions of their program.  They use cognitive-behavioral restructuring (aka trauma-based mind control) as well as a merit system not unlike that used by WWASPS and Provo Canyon School.  We believe it is in the best interest of you and your child that you do not send your child to Carolina Springs Academy.  If you attended Carolina Springs Academy and were abused while in their care, please contact us and we’ll add your online testimony to this website.

 

 

 

 

 

Hidden Lake Academy is located in Dahlonega, GA.  Hidden Lake Academy is a confirmedly abusive program.   According to reports to our site they are guilty of numerous offences including: violation of constitutional rights, medical malpractice, and more.  If you would like to read more on the evidence against Hidden lake Academy, click here.  If you'd like to read about or join the current class action lawsuit against Hidden Lake Academy, click hereIf you attended Hidden Lake Academy and were abused while in their care, please contact us and we’ll add your online testimony to this website. 

 

 

Teen Challenge—Athens located in Athens, GA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

Teen Challenge—Atlanta located in Atlanta, GA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

Teen Challenge—Columbus in Columbus, GA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

Teen Challenge—Macon in Macon, GA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here.   To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

Teen Challenge of Middle Georgia in Dublin, GA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

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HAWAII

(coming soon)

 

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IDAHO

Ascent Wilderness Intervention: (RE-OPENED UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP in Idaho was (when owned by CEDU) a confirmedly abusive behavior modification program.  It is now owned by Universal Health Services (a German mega-corporation).  Universal Health Services (UHS) also owns many other programs including the notoriously abusive Provo Canyon School (see:  www.heal-online.org/provocases.htm, www.heal-online.org/sign.htm, & www.beyondbusiness.net/provotruth.htm, )  According to a CEDU program survivor, “I attended Ascent and CEDU in CA. If you love your child STAY AWAY FROM THIS SCHOOL. I can tell you stories that will make you sick. I have also heard alot of horror stories from students who attended some of the other schools on this site. Please - do your research before sending your child into the care of strangers.  If you want more information please contact me at ArtemBiz@yahoo.com.”   If you would like to read about other survivor stories that have firsthand experience of the abuses at Ascent, please click here.  If you were abused or had your rights violated at Ascent, please contact us and we will post your online statement here as a warning to others.

 

 

Boulder Creek Academy: (RE-OPENED UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP)  in Bonners Ferry, ID was (when owned by CEDU) a confirmedly abusive behavior modification program.  It is now owned by Universal Health Services (a German mega-corporation).  Universal Health Services (UHS) also owns many other programs including the notoriously abusive Provo Canyon School (see:  www.heal-online.org/provocases.htm, www.heal-online.org/sign.htm, www.beyondbusiness.net/provotruth.htm, & www.heal-online.org/provocanyon.htm)   According to a CEDU program survivor, “I attended Ascent and CEDU in CA. If you love your child STAY AWAY FROM THIS SCHOOL. I can tell you stories that will make you sick. I have also heard alot of horror stories from students who attended some of the other schools on this site. Please - do your research before sending your child into the care of strangers.  If you want more information please contact me at ArtemBiz@yahoo.com.”  Don’t send your child to a CEDU program!  If you were abused at Boulder Creek Academy, please contact us and we will post your online statement here as a warning to others.  Please visit www.heal-online.org/cedu.htm for more information on the abuse at CEDU facilities.

 

 

Clear View in Sandpoint, ID is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification program.  What leads us to believe it is suspect is the fact that they encourage limited communication between patient and their family and only allow family visits every four months and under the supervision of Clear View therapists.  There are big red flags here.  Children should be allowed open phone privileges to parents at all times and private communications between the child and their parents at all times.  Families should be encouraged to be an integral part of their child’s therapy from the on-set not four months into treatment.  Due to all of these reasons we believe Clear View is clearly suspect and best to be avoided.  If you were abused while in the care of Clear View, please contact us and we will add your personal statement to our website.

 

 

Elk Mountain Academy in Clark Fork, ID is confirmedly abusive.  "The counselor arrested on sexual battery charges at a North Idaho private school for troubled teenage boys has admitted to authorities he had been a long-time sex addict, including the more than three decades he served as a Catholic priest.   Louis Wayne Ladenburger, 70, was arrested Wednesday on three charges of sexual battery with a minor after a three-week investigation by the Bonner County Sheriff’s Special Victims Unit.  Ladenburger worked at the Elk Mountain Academy near Clark Fork for only a few months as a therapist before the first alleged incident involving one of the students. The investigation started three weeks ago after a 17-year-old student told his parents Ladenburger had touched him."  Taken from KXLY.com on May 30th, 2007.  Please do not send your child to Elk Mountain Academy.  If you were abused or had your rights violated while in the care of Elk Mountain Academy, please contact us and we will add your personal statement to our website.  Also see: http://www.ruralnorthwest.com/artman/publish/article_7410.shtml  Here's a brief sampling of the before linked article: "A therapist working at Elk Mountain Academy for seven months was arrested May 30 by the Bonner County Sheriff's Office and charged with two counts of sexual battery of a minor.  Louis W. Ladenburger was also charged with a third count of sexual battery of another minor. Both are students at the Clark Fork therapeutic high school for at-risk teenage boys.  Landenberg remains Bonner County Jail on $100,000 bail.  Carl Olding, founder and director of the academy that began in 1994, said he received a call from a parent at 6 a.m. on May 5 claiming their son had been inappropriately touched by Ladenburger.  "My wife notified Child Protective Services at their 24-hour hotline while I was in route to Sandpoint, where I met with the parents and their son in their hotel room two hours later," he said.  After he arrived, Olding interviewed the student with his parents present.  "My sense was the student was telling me the truth," he said. "He told me he thought the therapist would tell me the truth. I then interviewed Mr. Ladenburger, who admitted the entire story that the student shared was in fact true."  Olding said he then stepped outside and called the sheriff's office around 9:30 a.m., made the report and offered to testify that Ladenburger had admitted the alleged crime. Olding's wife also reported the incident to the Department of Health and Welfare at approximately 11 a.m."

Northwest Academy: (REOPENED UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP) in Naples, ID was a member of the CEDU Family of Services, a confirmedly abusive program.  It is now owned by Universal Health Services (a German mega-corporation).  Universal Health Services (UHS) also owns many other programs including the notoriously abusive Provo Canyon School (see:  www.heal-online.org/provocases.htm, www.heal-online.org/sign.htm, www.beyondbusiness.net/provotruth.htm, & www.heal-online.org/provocanyon.htm) Please do not send your child to this program.  If you were abused at Northwest Academy, please contact us and we will post your online statement here as a warning to others.  Please visit www.heal-online.org/cedu.htm for detailed accounts of lawsuits and statements against these abusers.

 

 

SUWS (School of Urban and Wilderness Survival) is located in Idaho and is owned by Aspen Education Group, highly suspected of being a teen torture organization.  Based on the fact that they use a level system and are owned by Aspen Education Group (confirmed abuse at 3 Aspen Education Group programs), we determine that SUWS is suspect and ought to be avoided.  If you were abused by SUWS or they violated your rights in anyway (if at any time you had your mail read or censored they violated your civil rights, for example), please e-mail us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others.

 

 

Teen Challenge of Idaho in Boise, ID is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

Turning Winds in Hayden, ID (Turning Winds has moved to Troy, MT) is confirmedly an abusive behavior modification program.  The biggest red flag in this regard is the statement parents are asked to initial in the contract that reads, “The Turning Winds personnel shall be able to physically restrain, control, and detain him/her (your child) for and including, but not limited to, the following purposes: to protect the student, protect property, protect Turning Winds personnel or others from physical injury or threat of physical injury from the student, to transport the student, and to prevent the student from running away from the program.”  Decisions of this nature are subjective and signing such a release allows Turning Winds a legal out if they physically harm your child unjustly.  Please see the report at:  http://www.bonnercountydailybee.com/articles/2008/03/02/news/news02.txt   Also, one of HEAL's Coordinators is a survivor of Turning Winds and has reported verbal abuse and deprivation of food.  Turning Winds also uses WWASPS/Resource Realizations language and further leads us to believe that it is an abusive program.  If you were abused at Turning Winds, please contact us and we will add your statement to this website.

 

 

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ILLINOIS

 

Maryville Academy in Des Plaines, IL is highly suspected of being an abusive facility.  We have reports on our survivor message forum suggesting this facility uses an abusive behavior modification model.  Please do not send your child to this facility.  If you were abused or had your rights violated by Maryville Academy, please contact us so we can post your story here as a warning to others.

 

Norman C. Sleezer Youth Home in Freeport, IL is highly suspected of being an abusive facility.  We have reports on our survivor message forum suggesting this facility uses an abusive behavior modification model.  Please do not send your childto this facility. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Sleezer Youth Home, please contact us so we can post your story here as a warning to others.

 

The ChalleNGe Academy in Lincoln, IL is highly suspected of being a brainwashing facility for teens.  It's sister program, The ChalleNGe Academy at Ft. McCoy, WI makes inconsistent claims about it's program and denies "students" contact with the outside world (including family and friends) during the first "phase" of the program.  If you were abused or had your rights violated at The ChalleNGe Academy, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.

 

Teen Challenge Center—Chicago in Chicago, IL is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

Teen Challenge of Illinois in Decatur, IL is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here.   To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

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INDIANA

Hephzibah House in Warsaw, IN   is confirmedly abusive.  One non-custodial adult relative has reported to HEAL that children are regularly held down and physically abused and battered by a minimum of three staff members participating in the abuse at a time and that children's letters are monitored and censored in direct violation of the children's civil rights.  See video of survivors reporting abuse:

 

Please do not send your child to Hephzibah House.  For more info, see the survivor websites at: www.formerhephzibahgirls.webs.com and www.hephzibahhouse.com   And, read the article exposing abuse at: http://www.fox28.com/News/index.php?ID=38561, and http://www.fox28.com/global/story.asp?s=8695749 . And, click here for more information.  If you were abused or had your rights violated by Hephzibah House, we ask that you contact us with your story so we can post it here as a warning to others.  

 

New Horizons Youth Ministries in Marion, IN (as well as Ontario Canada and the Dominican Republic) is a confirmedly abusive program.  Please visit:  http://nhym-alumni.org/ for detailed allegations of abuse at these programs.  To read survivor testimony, click here.  If you were abused or had your rights violated by New Horizons Youth Ministries, we ask that you contact us with your story so we can post it here as a warning to others.  

 

 

Pathway Family Center in Indianapolis & Chesterton, IN are confirmedly abusive.  Do not send your child to this program.  Please visit: www.pfctruth.com for more information.  If you were abused or had your rights violated by Pathway Family Center, please contact us with your story and we will post it here as a warning to others.

 

 

 

Resolute in Indianapolis, IN is reportedly abusive.  Reports state that Resolute uses similar methods of those used at WWASPS and Provo Canyon School.  Please do not send your child to Resolute.  If you were abused at Resolute or had your rights violated in anyway, please contact us and we will add your online statement to this website as a warning to others. 

 

 

Triple L Youth Ranch in Anderson, IN is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification program.  They use a “four phase” (aka four level) system that begins with orientation.  Orientation can last a very long time depending on how quickly the child succumbs to being controlled completely by the Triple L Youth Ranch staff.  Level systems are known to be red flags for those investigating and who have survived such programs.  We recommend you do not send your child to Triple L Youth Ranch.  If you were abused at Triple L Youth Ranch, please contact us with your experience and we’ll add it to the website as an online statement.

 

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IOWA

Midwest Academy  is a World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools Program.  Representative George Miller of California demanded in investigation into all World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools after receiving hundreds of complaints from his constituents about the torture and abuse suffered by them and/or their children.  There is an online article detailing the allegations of abuse at  You may read the correspondence between John Ashcroft and George Miller by visiting: http://nospank.net/ashcroft.htmAs of January 9th, 2004, California Representative George Miller demanded, and was denied by John Ashcroft, an investigation into WWASPS.  According to Representative Miller of California, “There is a laundry list of abuse of children at WWASPS schools: deprivation of food, deprivation of contact with their peers, physical abuse, mental abuse, sexual abuse, and parents are paying big money for services not rendered," Miller added in a Nov. 6 news release.”    For more information on WWASP, visit: www.heal-online.org/wwasp.htm   If you were abused at Midwest Academy, please contact us and will post your online statement here as a warning to others.

 

 

 

 

Teen Challenge—Midlands in Colfax, (& cities of Des Moines,) IA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

 

 

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KANSAS

Teen Challenge—Lawrence in Lawrence, KS is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

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KENTUCKY

North Key (formerly Children's Psychiatric Hospital of Northern Kentucky) in Covington, KY is highly suspected of continuing to be an abusive behavior modification facility.  Here is one verified survivor's story:

 

"I had an experience with an abusive facility in Covington, Kentucky. However, this was in 1990, so I don't know how up-to-date my information is.  The facility was called Children's Psychiatric Hospital of Northern Kentucky (CPH), but it is now known as NorthKey. From what I know, only  the name has changed. It is still billed as a "hospital", but it is actually an abusive facility.  CPH used deceptive marketing to encourage my parents to allow me to be placed there. (This was around the time I turned 17.) When I entered, I was forced to sign a paper without reading it first. Later I found out  this was an agreement that bound me to be kept at CPH until the facility  decided to let me go. Within the first few days of my stay, I was  physically attacked by guards, locked in the "quiet room" for hours and  bombarded with noise, and later given an injection without being told what it was (which knocked me out almost instantly). Throughout the stay, I was force-fed various drugs and threatened with severe retaliation if I  refused to take them.  The staff enjoyed humiliating kids who were detained in CPH. If anyone ran away from the facility, and was returned, they would not be allowed to wear shoes for a week as a punishment for "running" from CPH. When kids were locked in the "quiet room", they were monitored by a closed-circuit TV that was shown to the other kids to make an example of  them. Often the kids were restrained in a painful device called a "boat" for hours on end.  Sleep deprivation, denial of meals, and exposure to cold were also very common. Also, we had regular group therapy sessions in which the kids in the facility were to gather in a circle and confront each other about  their "problems."  CPH also committed insurance fraud in order to keep me there for months.  This is clearly an abusive facility, even if not as well-known as the others.   Please do not use my name on any of my details about this facility.  Everything in my statement is true. I give HEAL permission to use my statement."
 

If you were abused or had your rights violated by NorthKey, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. 

 

Teen Challenge—Kentucky in Louisville, KY is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

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LOUISIANA

Crossroads Youth Ranch in Roseland, LA is confirmedly abusive.  We've received reports from parents describing fraud, abuse, and enslavement of their children by "Pastor Gary".  Please do not send your child to Crossroads Youth Ranch.  If you'd like to submit your survivor report regarding Crossroads, please contact us and we'll post it here as a warning to others.  

 

 

Evangeline Christian Home for Girls is suspected of being abusive by our researchers.  The main reason we find them suspect is the secrecy of their program.  To learn anything about their program you have to call and hear a sales pitch in which your questions are not answered, are over-talked, or simply avoided.  They claim to offer programs that take at least one year to complete.  For more information you have to enroll your child.  Such secrecy is suspect and we recommend you do not send your child to Evangeline Christian Home for Girls.  If you were abused at Evangeline Christian Home for Girls, please contact us so we can post your online statement here as a warning to others.

 

 

Hope Youth Ranch in Webster Parrish, LA is confirmedly abusive.  8 employees are currently facing charges (as of May, 2006) of negligent homicide in connection with a boy's death at the program.  To learn more about this case, visit:  http://www.ksla.com/Global/story.asp?S=4935734&nav=0RY5  If you were abused or had your rights violated by Hope Youth Ranch, please contact us so we can post your online statement here as a warning to others.

 

 

New Bethany Home for Girls and Boys in Arcadia, LA is confirmedly abusive.  To review survivor statements please visit the New Bethany survivor website at: http://groups.msn.com/survivorsofnewbethany  If you were abused at New Bethany or had your rights violated in any way please consider submitting your statement to us to post here as a warning to others.  Click here to send your statement now.

 

 

Red River Academy--in LeCompte, LA is affiliated with the World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools (WWASPS).  Their sister programs include Midwest Academy in Iowa, which is a WWASP/S program.  Representative George Miller of California demanded in investigation into all World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools after receiving hundreds of complaints from his constituents about the torture and abuse suffered by them and/or their children.  There is an online article detailing the allegations of abuse at  You may read the correspondence between John Ashcroft and George Miller by visiting: http://nospank.net/ashcroft.htm As of January 9th, 2004, California Representative George Miller demanded, and was denied by John Ashcroft, an investigation into WWASPS.  According to Representative Miller of California, “There is a laundry list of abuse of children at WWASPS schools: deprivation of food, deprivation of contact with their peers, physical abuse, mental abuse, sexual abuse, and parents are paying big money for services not rendered," Miller added in a Nov. 6 news release.”  Additional concerns HEAL has found regarding Red River Academy are:

 

After review on April 1st, 2008 of the FAQ's on Red River Academy's website, we found the following concerns:

Red flags I see from their own site:

Q: How long is the average stay for a student at Red River Academy?
A: The program is based on the student’s results, meaning it depends on the individual student’s willingness to comply and commit to working and creating positive results.

[This answer is vague and unacceptable.]

Q: How often are student visits allowed?
A: Visits to your student are allowed when the teen reaches the appropriate status and has earned the privilege

*(This is contradictory to the information given in this previous Q and A):

[Q: Can we visit the School at any time?
A: Yes, you are welcome to come to the facility any time you schedule a visit. After enrolling your student you can stop by any time you see fit.]

[Also, you should not need to schedule a visit]

Q: Once I make the decision to enroll my teen, how do I get them to Red River Academy?
A: Your admissions representative will assist you through the different options of getting your child to the school. Each situation is different. Some students will come voluntarily while others won't. They will help you determine what is best for your family.

[All students should attend voluntarily or, if mandated by the government, should be convicted of a crime and sentenced. The student should never be forced or held against their will]

Q: Is the family involved in the student’s progress?
A: A Family Representative is assigned to each student. Your Family Representative is in contact with your teen throughout the week. Weekly phone calls are made updating you on your student's progress. In time, students earn phone calls with their parents. Parents and students communicate by letter as often as they like. The parents and students attend workshops to assist in creating better communication.

[Students should never be forced to earn a phone call to their parents. There should never be any block of communication between the student and parent. There is no scientific evidence to support this action as being beneficial or therapeutic. Cults are known to use this tactic almost universally]

[Here is a website where a former “client” of a program suggests that Red River Academy is affiliated with WWASPS.]:

http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:jrATPV4-B1wJ:blog.myspace.com/index.cfm%3Ffuseaction%3Dblog.view%26friendID%3D5073962%26blogID%3D352038751+%22Red+river+academy%22+myspace&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=19&gl=us

[Yet another place Red River Academy is linked to WWASPS]:

http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:IfKu-8LXs5kJ:www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp%3FaId%3D22096+%22Red+river+academy%22+torture&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=3&gl=us

 For more information on WWASP, visit: www.heal-online.org/wwasp.htm  If you were abused at Red River Academy, please contact us and will post your online statement here as a warning to others.

 

 

Teen Challenge Home for Girls in Shreveport, LA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

Teen Challenge of Acadiana in Lafayette, LA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

Teen Challenge—New Orleans in New Orleans, LA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

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MAINE

Elan School in Poland, ME is a confirmedly abusive behavior modification program.  See the message board at: http://www.fornits.com/wwf/viewtopic.php?t=22295&start=40  To read survivor statements, see: www.heal-online.org/elan.htm.  If you were abused or had your rights violated at Elan School, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.

 

 

The Hyde School in Bath, ME (also locations in Woodstock, CT and charter schools all along the Eastern Seaboard)  is highly suspected of being an abusive behavior modification program.  There are multiple message boards claiming that The Hyde School is unprofessional and cult-like.  See: http://hydestudents.tribe.net/thread/fbf9d98d-2a2c-49cf-99b0-a978a138410f#0b8b5709-6fdd-4412-9070-849cbe3df763 and http://www.fornits.com/wwf/viewtopic.php?t=22002&start=50.  If you were abused or had your rights violated at The Hyde School, please contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others.   

 

Ironwood in Morrill, ME is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification facility.  We base this on the fact that they use a level system consistent with those used at confirmedly abusive programs such as Provo Canyon School, WWASPS, and Aspen Education Group facilities.  They recommend parents use "escort services" which have been denounced by child advocates, parents, and adolescent psychology experts as being terror-inducing and harmful to children and teens.  This program also denies telephone communications and unmonitored contact with the outside world, including family on the lower levels of their program.  These are marked warning signs of abusive facilities.  We advise you do not risk your child's welfare at Ironwood.  If you were abused or had your rights violated by Ironwood, Please contact us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others.

 

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MARYLAND

DRILL Academy in Salisbury, MD is confirmedly abusive.  Multiple reports of abuse have been delivered to the mayor and other city officials.  Please do not send your child to DRILL Academy.  If you were abused or had your rights violated by DRILL Academy in any way, please contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others.  To read more on this issue, visit: http://www.wmdt.com/topstory/topstory.asp?id=1884 

 

 

Teen Challenge of Baltimore in Baltimore, MD is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here.   To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

Teen Challenge of Capitol Heights in Capitol Heights, MD is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

Teen Challenge of Cumberland in Cumberland, MD is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

Teen Challenge of MD, Inc.  in Dundalk, (& cities of Laurel,) MD is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here.  To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

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MASSACHUSETTS

We've received reports of abuse in Massachusetts public schools including improper use of restraints and physical abuse as a method of behavior modification.  Please visit: www.heal-online.org/abuseinpublicschools.htm for more information.

 

Academy at Swift River is a confirmedly abusive behavior modification facility.  For survivor accounts, visit: www.heal-online.org/swiftriver.htm  They are a member of the Aspen Education Group which includes Mount Bachelor Academy.  They use the same systems of isolation and sensory deprivation as well as the “merit” or “level-based” system for behavior modification that WWASPS and Provo Canyon School, who are confirmed child abusers, use to break the minds and spirits of the children in their care.  We believe if you compare the warning signs at www.heal-online.org/warn.htm as provided by www.isaccorp.com (International Survivors Action Committee) that you will discover the truth about Swift River’s abuse of children.  If you were abused at Swift River, please contact us with your statement so we can post it to the website as a warning to others.  Thank you.

 

 

Boston Teen Challenge in Dorchester, MA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here.   To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here. To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.

 

 

John Dewey Academy in Barrington, MA is likely an abusive behavior modification program.  Below is an article we found about a lawsuit against John Dewey Academy from August 25th, 1994.  The main premise of the article: A Great Barrington boarding school for troubled teenagers is being sued by a former student who alleges officials failed to supervise a female teacher who lured him into a sexual relationship and had a child by him.  Thomas Bratter founded John Dewey Academy in 1985.  Later in this article it states another incident: "In 1995, Bratter pleaded no contest in Connecticut to a state charge of second-degree unlawful restraint, which involved his relationship with a 17-year-old girl. As part of his plea agreement, he received a suspended one-year sentence and was required to perform 500 hours of community service and donate $50,000 to a charity that dealt with victims of crime or abuse." http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2004/08/25/former_student_says_academy_left_him_to_teachers_abuse/
 
There are a few comments on a chatroom called fornits about this academy also. It is not a great source but it does have some personal experiences written. It is very disorganized and the content is riddled with profanity. Still, it may be a good piece of information. 
http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:phW20222E7IJ:fornits.com/wwf/viewtopic.php%3Ft%3D24355%26start%3D30%26sid%3D0da926873b76bf92ff91cfe5c73be698+John+Dewey+Academy,+Fornits&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us  If you were abused at or had your rights violated by John Dewey Academy, please contact us so we can post your story here as a warning to others.

 

 

Teen Challenge Inc. in Brockton, MA is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.  To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.

 

 

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MICHIGAN

Lansing Teen Challenge in Lansing, MI is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.  To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.

 

 

Teen Challenge—Muskegon in Muskegon, MI is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.  To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.

 

 

Teen Challenge—Saginaw  in Saginaw, MI is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.  To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.

 

 

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minnesota

Minnesota Teen Challenge in Minneapolis, MN is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.  To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.

 

 

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MISSISSIPPI

Bethel Baptist Boys Academy (aka Eagle Point Christian Academy)is confirmedly abusing children.  To view a mother’s firsthand account of damages to her son, please click here.  Also, just reading a quote from their own advertising on Sunday, Feb. 15th, 2004 suggests they are intolerant and cruel minded, “Ignorance and stupidity plague so many teens because they simply will not submit to parents or guardians and receive instruction.”  This is certainly not a loving, trust-building environment for young people to explore their frustrations and learn constructive as opposed to destructive ways to deal with the stresses of their lives.  To view the lawsuits currently filed against Bethel Boys Academy visit: www.heal-online.org/bethelsuits.pdfIt’s a place that hates children and wants to aid parents in creating children who lack the educational skills of curiosity and analytical thought.  We recommend whole-heartedly that you do not send your child to Bethel Baptist Boys Academy.  In addition please view this article: http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050531/NEWS01/505310367/1002  If you were abused or had your rights violated at Bethel Baptist Boys Academy, please contact us and we will post your experience on this website as an online statement and warning to others about this program.

 

 

Gulf Coast Academy in Lucedale, MS is confirmedly abusive.  And, is a World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools program.  Representative George Miller of California demanded in investigation into all World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools after receiving hundreds of complaints from his constituents about the torture and abuse suffered by them and/or their children.  You may read the correspondence between John Ashcroft and George Miller by visiting: http://nospank.net/ashcroft.htmAs of January 9th, 2004, California Representative George Miller demanded, and was denied by John Ashcroft, an investigation into WWASPS.  According to Representative Miller of California, “There is a laundry list of abuse of children at WWASPS schools: deprivation of food, deprivation of contact with their peers, physical abuse, mental abuse, sexual abuse, and parents are paying big money for services not rendered," Miller added in a Nov. 6 news release.”"Barbara Ramirez of Chicago wants a Lucedale home for troubled youth shut down because of poor living conditions, student abuse and the inability of the school's officials to prevent students from escaping.  Ramirez said she began the campaign to shut down the Gulf Coast Academy after a recent visit to the school where her daughter, Tianna, 17, is enrolled.  Ramirez attended a seminar at the school but found what she considers intolerable conditions.  "I was appalled," Ramirez said. "The seminar was held in the chapel. I went into the bathroom and it was filthy. Three roaches were crawling up the wall. I almost got sick."  That was just the beginning.  Her daughter told her stories about poor food, abusive discipline, student fights and escapes."  For more on this, visit:  http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071007/NEWS01/710070315/1002   For more information on WWASP, visit: www.heal-online.org/wwasp.htm   If you were abused or had your rights violated by Gulf Coast Academy, please contact us and we will post your statement here as a warning to others.

 

 

 

Happiness Hills in Union, MS is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification facility.  Current employees and founders of this program previously managed and/or worked for Rebekah Home, a confirmedly abusive program.  Please do not risk your child's welfare by sending them to this program.  If you were abused or had your rights violated by Happiness Hills, we ask that you contact us with your story so we can post it here as a warning to others.  

 

 

Magnolia Christian Center in Lucedale, MS is highly suspected of being an abusive program.  Magnolia is not an accredited school and is not approved by the state to grant diplomas.  They use physical/corporal punishment on the children in their program.  And, have hired multiple former employees of the confirmedly abusive Bethel Boys Academy/Eagle Point Christian Academy.  Please do not subject your child to this program.  If you were abused or had your rights violated at Magnolia Christian Center, please contact HEAL so we can place your statement here as a warning to others.

 

 

Teen Challenge of Mississippi in Pascagoula, MS is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.  To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.

 

 

 

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Missouri

Heartland Christian Academy in Newark, MO is confirmedly abusive.  According to the exposé in People Magazine (10/23/06 issue, "School of Last Resort" by Maria Eftimiades), children are beaten regularly, suffer broken bones from staff abuse, and more.  The kids are punished with isolation, beatings, and deprived of food and contact with peers.  They are degraded and forced to do slave labor for the facility.  Heartland is currently being "investigated by authorities.  However, since they are a "Christian"/faith-based program their cruel and torturous practices are considered "protected" by the First Amendment Freedom of Religion.  Please do not subject your child to Heartland Christian Academy.  For more information on this program, visit the following links: HCA Info 1, HCA Info 2, HCA Info 3, HCA Info 4, MySpace 1 and MySpace 2.  If you are a survivor or parent of a survivor if Heartland Christian  Academy, please contact us and we will post your statement, with your permission, here as a warning to others. 

 

 

Mid-America Teen Challenge in Cape Girardeau, MO is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.  To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.

 

 

New Beginnings Girls Academy—in La Russell, MO  is confirmedly abusive.  The former owners, Mr. & Mrs. Cameron, have opened and closed their lockdown residential facilities in TX, MO, and MS before bringing them to FL in 2001.  They have returned to Missouri.  Texas has permanently banned Mrs. Cameron from working with children or being present at a juvenile facility.  A local TV station reported in Dec. 2004 that FL state officials had investigated two allegations of abuse at the school, one for requiring “extreme physical exertion” of a student and an accusation that Mrs. Cameron hit a girl with a curtain rod.  Soon afterwards the school changed its name to New Beginnings Girls Academy and the Camerons’ names were removed from its literature.  Like the Camerons, however, the new director, Bill McNamara, strongly emphasizes the girls’ sinfulness and prohibits contact with their siblings, according to the sister of one student.  Detailed report provided by Children’s Healthcare Is a Legal Duty, Inc. Nov. 4th, 2004 newsletter.  If you were abused or had your rights violated at New Beginnings, please contact us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others.  To view survivor statements regarding the Cameron's and these programs please click here.

 

 

Stepping Stone Farm: in Weaubleau, Missouri is directly affiliated with The Twelve Tribes. This program is confirmed abusive and considered by experts to be a cult. If you were in this program or would like to contact us please click here.
 

 

 

Teen Challenge of the Ozarks in Reed Springs, MO is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.  To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.

 

 

Teen Challenge Int’l—Springfield in Springfield, MO is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.  To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.

 

 

 

Teen Challenge of St. Louis in High Ridge, MO is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.  To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.

 

 

Teen Challenge—The Four States in Neosho, MO is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.  To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.

 

 

 

Thayer Learning Center is a confirmedly abusive behavior modification program.  As of November, 2004 we have confirmation that a teen was killed in this program.  For the newspaper account of the death and the ongoing investigation into Thayer Learning Center’s activities visit:  KCTV5 - Teen Dies at School Known for Strict Discipline.  A group of families in Missouri are currently working to take legal action against them.  A quote from one parent (who will remain anonymous for the time being so as not to create problems in court for them) states, “My son was abused, and I am in contact with several others who were abused, and a lawyer who has made complaints to the government agencies there in MO and still nothing done to stop Thayer.”  For a survivor story about the Thayer experience, click here.  Also, see: http://www.isaccorp.org/thayerlearningcenter.asp#robertoreyes and http://www.closethayerlearningcenter.com/Thayer used the term Oppositional Defiant Disorder, which is a quack term created to describe NORMAL teenage behavior.  The American Medical Association is currently requesting that this term be removed from medical terminology.  Teenagers try to test their boundaries as they get closer to the age of majority in order to establish their senses of independence and individuality.  This is NORMAL!!!!  What is not normal is calling NORMAL behavior a disorder and using trauma-based mind control techniques to make good little soldiers and servants out of human beings.  We believe Thayer Learning Center is abusive and believe that you should not place your child in their care.  If you were abused or had your rights violated at Thayer Learning Center, please contact us and we will place your online statement on this website as a warning to others.  Thank you!

 

 

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Montana

See the PBS Special on the deceptive and abusive practices of programs in Montana.  Click here to see video: Video: PBS--"Who's Watching the Kids?"

 

 

 

 

 

Affinity Foundation is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification program.  A huge red flag is their “Civil Rights Waiver Acknowledgement” which states that children in their care and the parents agree to waive their constitutional rights of free speech, freedom of religion, freedom of association, and privacy rights while in the program which is contracted to be a mandatory 15 month stay.  Communications will be limited and/or denied for a period of time up to the foundation staff alone.  These are all huge red flags.  Do not submit your child to this program.  If you had your rights violated, apparently everyone who goes to Affinity does by the contractual proof alone, or if you were abused while in their care, please contact us and we will post your experience as an online statement against this program. 

 

 

Dancing Moon Ranch in Chinook, MT is heavily suspected of being an abusive behavior modification program.  We’ve received a message from a woman wishing to remain anonymous for the moment declaring that she is a survivor of abuse at this facility.   Their website is not explicit in program details.  We recommend parents never send children out of their home state and that they monitor any program they send their child to in person from day one on a weekly basis.  If you are a survivor of Dancing Moon Ranch, please contact us so we may post your experience as an online statement against this program.  You will help other children by doing so!

 

 

Explorations in Trout Creek, Montana is reportedly, yet to be confirmedly, abusive.  We have received survivor reports of abuse at this facility.  However, we are awaiting confirmation.  We believe these reports of abuse to be true and recommend you do not subject your child to this program.  If you are a survivor of Explorations, please contact us so we may post your experiences as an online statement against this program.  You will help others by doing so.

 

Hope Ranch in Whitefish, MT is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification facility.  Their number one goal is to get girls to be “obedient”.  This means never questioning those who claim authority.  This is a very dangerous goal because often authority does need questioning and no individual should be given complete authority over another for this denies the principles of free-will and the right to learn or use analytic thought.  Without analysis we would not have rules, we would not have healing medicines, we would not have a number of things that are vital to human understanding and life.  Because of this and many of the other questionable goals and the disturbing signing away of certain civil liberties within the contract itself we believe that Hope Ranch is a place with no hope for your child.  Please do not send your child to this institution.  If you have been abused at Hope Ranch or had your rights violated while in their care, please contact us so we can place your online statement here to warn others.  Thank you.

 

 

Monarch School is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification program.  This is based on the language of the parent/school contract which reads: “AUTHORIZATION FOR RESTRAINT-I/We hereby give consent and authorize the school personnel to utilize reasonable physical force to restrain, control and detain the above named student for and including, but not limited to, the following purposes: to protect the student, protect property, protect Monarch School personnel or others from physical injury or threat of injury from the student. AUTHORIZATION FOR SEARCH I/We hereby give consent and authorize the school to search the student and the student’s personal effects. The school is hereby authorized to confiscate any and all items deemed by the school to be contraband. “  It is suspect because if a child is not a threat to themselves or others physical restraint, control, or detainment is wholly unwarranted and violates international and federal human rights laws that apply to children as well as adults.  In fact, prolonged and unwarranted physical restraint, control, or detainment is considered torture under the United Nations definition.  Further evidence taken from their contract that we find suspect is the following: “.  I/We hereby voluntarily release and discharge Monarch School and its officers, directors, shareholders, employees and agents of any and all claims, demands, actions suits or proceedings which the student or any parent, relative, or next of kin of the student may have for any or all injuries, damages and expenses, including but not limited to all personal injuries and illnesses and all damages to personal and real property caused by, arising out of, or otherwise related to the student’s participation in any activity or program conducted by or on behalf of Monarch School.”  They require parents to sign a permission slip that they may physically harm their child and then require that should they find the conduct to be malicious on the part of Monarch Schools that they agree never to sue even if illegal abuse or violations of human rights are evident.  Don’t send your child to this school!  If you have attended Monarch School and you were abused while in their care, contact us and we will add your statement to this website to warn others. 

 

 

Montana Academy is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification program.  They have disabled their online application so we can’t see what they require in terms of signing away legal and civil rights for parents and children.  However, based on their description as of 2/16/04 on their program description under “emotional” they describe a “phase system” (aka level system) which echoes those used by WWASPS and Provo Canyon School.  They also talk about group sessions in which the goal is “psychological development” through revelation.  These words are very abstract and ring as echoes of the descriptions and values of the Resource Realizations/WWASPS model of trauma-based behavior modification.  If you have attended Montana Academy and you were abused or had your rights violated by Montana Academy while in their care, please contact us and we will add your online statement to this website as a warning to others.

 

 

Northwest Passages is run by the former director of Hope Ranch who proudly claims this association.  Northwest Passages is an extension of residential treatment center living and we believe is suspect due to the very reasons Hope Ranch is suspect (scroll up to see description of Hope Ranch).  We recommend you do not attend Northwest Passages and that you do not submit your child to a lifetime of blind obedience.  Without curiosity there are no questions.  Without questions there are no answers.  Without answers there is no knowledge.  Without knowledge there is no wisdom.  Do not subject your child to a life without wonder.  If you were abused at Hope Ranch or Northwest Passages, please contact us and we will post your online statement as a warning to others on this site and will upgrade Hope Ranch and Northwest Passages from suspect to confirmed. 

 

 

  Turning Winds in  Troy, MT is suspected of being an abusive behavior modification program.  The biggest red flag in this regard is the statement parents are asked to initial in the contract that reads, “The Turning Winds personnel shall be able to physically restrain, control, and detain him/her (your child) for and including, but not limited to, the following purposes: to protect the student, protect property, protect Turning Winds personnel or others from physical injury or threat of physical injury from the student, to transport the student, and to prevent the student from running away from the program.”  Decisions of this nature are subjective and signing such a release allows Turning Winds a legal out if they physically harm your child unjustly.  Turning Winds also uses WWASPS/Resource Realizations language and further leads us to believe that it is an abusive program.  Please click here and read the comments following the article.  Click here for additional discussions regarding abuse at Turning Winds.  If you were abused at Turning Winds, please contact us and we will add your statement to this website.

 

 

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Nebraska

Teen Challenge of the Midlands in Omaha, NE is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.  To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.

 

 

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Nevada

Coral Reef Academy is listed as being a program in Nevada, and in fact their business offices are in Las Vegas, NV.  However, the program takes place in Samoa.  There have been countless news programs, talk shows (particularly Montel Williams) and exposés on abusive programs in Samoa.  Please do not send your child to a program out of the United States.  It is best that you are involved in every aspect of your child’s wellness program.  You should be choosing a program in your own state that you will be visiting regularly to insure the safety of your child.  Don’t be like one mother who sent her son to a Samoa-based program just to lose him forever.  This same mother was in contact with other parents, two of whom had their children die in the Samoa-based program.  If you were abused by Coral Reef Academy or had your rights violated in anyway, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others. 

 

 

Horizon Academy in Nevada is a WWASPS program.  Representative George Miller of California demanded in investigation into all World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools after receiving hundreds of complaints from his constituents about the torture and abuse suffered by them and/or their children.  You may read the correspondence between John Ashcroft and George Miller by visiting: http://nospank.net/ashcroft.htmAs of January 9th, 2004, California Representative George Miller demanded, and was denied by John Ashcroft, an investigation into WWASPS.  According to Representative Miller of California, “There is a laundry list of abuse of children at WWASPS schools: deprivation of food, deprivation of contact with their peers, physical abuse, mental abuse, sexual abuse, and parents are paying big money for services not rendered," Miller added in a Nov. 6 news release.”   For more information on WWASP, visit: www.heal-online.org/wwasp.htm  If you were abused or had your rights violated at Horizon Academy, please contact us and we will post your online statement here as a warning to others.   

 

 

 

 

Northern Nevada Teen Challenge in Sparks, NV is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.  To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.

 

 

Sky View Academy in Hawthorne, NV is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility. Sky View Academy  is a World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools program.  Representative George Miller of California demanded in investigation into all World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools after receiving hundreds of complaints from his constituents about the torture and abuse suffered by them and/or their children.  You may read the correspondence between John Ashcroft and George Miller by visiting: http://nospank.net/ashcroft.htmAs of January 9th, 2004, California Representative George Miller demanded, and was denied by John Ashcroft, an investigation into WWASPS.  According to Representative Miller of California, “There is a laundry list of abuse of children at WWASPS schools: deprivation of food, deprivation of contact with their peers, physical abuse, mental abuse, sexual abuse, and parents are paying big money for services not rendered," Miller added in a Nov. 6 news release.”   For more information on WWASP, visit: www.heal-online.org/wwasp.htm   If you were abused at Sky View Academy, please contact us so we can post your online statement here as a warning to others. 

 

 

 

Teen Challenge of Nevada, Inc.  in Las Vegas, NV is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.  To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.

 

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New Hampshire

 

Manchester Teen Challenge in Manchester, NH is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.  To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.

 

Mount Prospect Academy in Plymouth, NH is confirmedly abusive.  It is part of the Becket Family of Services.  We have reports from former staff (in the process of verifying) that it is an abusive behavior modification facility.  Please do not send your children to Mount Prospect Academy.  If you are a victim or witness of abuse at Mount Prospect Academy or any Becket Family of Services program, please contact us and we will post your statement online as a warning to others.

 

 

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New Jersey

Teen Challenge—New Jersey in Rockaway, NJ is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.  To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.

 

 

Teen Challenge—Take Charge in Newark, NJ is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.  To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.

 

 

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New Mexico

Teen Challenge—Albuquerque located in Albuquerque, NM is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.  To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.

 

 

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New York

 

 

 

 

Adirondack Leadership Expeditions is confirmedly abusive.  Please visit: www.heal-online.org/adirondack.htm for survivor statements a member of the Aspen Education Group, a leading suspect corporation regarding child torture in the United States.  Based on the fact that they use a level system and are owned by Aspen Education Group, we determine that Adirondack is suspect and ought to be avoided.  If you were abused by Adirondack Leadership Expeditions or they violated your rights in anyway (if at any time you had your mail read or censored they violated your civil rights, for example), please e-mail us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others.

 

 

Buffalo Teen Challenge in Buffalo, NY is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click hereTo read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.  To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.

 

 

Camp Huntington in High Falls, NY is owned by Aspen Education Group, highly suspected of being a teen torture organization.  Based on the fact that they use a level system and are owned by Aspen Education Group (confirmed abuse at multiple Aspen Education Group programs), we determine that Camp Huntington is suspect and ought to be avoided.  If you were abused by Camp Huntington or they violated your rights in anyway (if at any time you had your mail read or censored they violated your civil rights, for example), please e-mail us and we will post your experience here as a warning to others.

 

 

Candlehouse Teen Challenge in Owego, NY is highly suspected of being a teen torture facility.  Teen Challenge is the only group of programs endorsed by the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF).  DFAF was founded by Mel Sembler, former owner and director of Straight, Inc. a confirmedly torturous group of institutions for teens.   Straight, Inc. was endorsed by former US presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.  In George W. Bush’s first term (2000-2004) he appointed Mel Sembler as US ambassador to Italy.  George W. Bush instituted the “New Freedom Commission” in 2000.  The “New Freedom Commission” is a group of psychiatrists and pharmaceutical lobbyists working to insure that every child in America is drugged and virtually enslaved through behavior modification.  Please do not sent your child to any Teen Challenge program. If you were abused or had your rights violated by Teen Challenge, please contact us and we will post your story here as a warning to others.  To view confirmed statements regarding abuse at other Teen Challenge programs, click here.  To read about Straight, Inc. and the Semblers, please click here.  To visit a survivor site for Teen Challenge survivors, click here.